Ukraine has announced it will ask men between 25-60 living abroad to return and join the armed forces. Defence Minister Rustem Umerov described it as an "invitation" but suggested sanctions for those who don't comply. However, his spokesperson later clarified no call-up was planned, only an appeal for volunteers. This comes as Ukraine seeks to boost troop numbers, with President Zelensky saying 450,000-500,000 new soldiers are needed. But Kyiv has no means to force citizens abroad to enlist. With the counteroffensive stalled and aid provisions blocked, Ukraine is hoping more recruits will strengthen forces at the frontline. But the feasibility of large-scale enlistment from overseas remains uncertain, reports BBC.

Gaza faces an unprecedented hunger crisis, with the UN declaring the situation "catastrophic." A report reveals that four out of five households in north Gaza and half of the displaced in the south are experiencing days without food. Ceasefire hopes diminish as Hamas refuses talks until Israel halts its military offensive. The US supports an amended UN resolution for increased aid flows, contingent on the removal of a call for an "urgent suspension of hostilities." The UN's monitoring system warns that by February 7, the entire Gaza population, around 2.2 million people, may reach "crisis or worse" hunger levels, marking an unprecedented humanitarian challenge compounded by displacement, disease threats, and winter conditions.

In the harrowing incident, David Kozak, a 24-year-old student at Charles University, killed his father in a village near Prague before carrying out a mass shooting at the Faculty of Arts. The assailant's rampage claimed at least 15 lives and left dozens injured before being "eliminated" by the police. This tragedy unfolded near Prague's Old Town, a vibrant tourist destination. Despite initial fears of international terrorism, Czech authorities clarified that the shooting wasn't linked to such motives. Videos circulating on social media captured the panic and chaos as people sought safety during the attack. Prague's Mayor expressed the city's grief, acknowledging the unsettling reality of evolving global threats. The incident is now one of the deadliest shootings in Czech history, prompting condolences from leaders worldwide.

The tragic mass shooting at Charles University's Faculty of Arts in Prague has left 15 dead and 24 injured. The police president confirms the gunman's "lifeless body" was discovered at the university, revealing the suspect's inspiration from similar international massacres. Not linked to terrorism, the 24-year-old gunman, also a student at the university, hailed from a village near Prague. Petr Nedoma, director of the Rudolfinum Gallery at a concert hall across Palach Square, told Czech TV: "I saw a young person on the gallery who had some weapon in his hand, like and automatic weapon, and shooting toward the Manes Bridge. Repeatedly, with some interruptions, then I saw as he shot, put hands up and threw the weapon down on the street, it lay there on the pedestrian crossing." Shockingly, the gunman's father was found dead earlier in the day. This incident marks the deadliest shooting in Czech history since independence, overshadowing previous attacks in Ostrava in 2019 and Uhersky Brod in 2015.

London faces travel turmoil as Euston services are severely disrupted due to damaged overhead wires near Hemel Hempstead. Simultaneously, a last-minute Eurotunnel strike halts all cross-Channel Eurostar services from midday to 7pm. Passengers urged to postpone travel as crowds amass at St Pancras. British Airways cancels flights from Heathrow due to Storm Pia. Eurostar cancels all London trains until further notice, affecting tens of thousands. Engineers assess wire damage, emergency timetable in place. South Western Railway warns of disruptions for landslip repairs. Christmas travel plans thrown into disarray.

Gunman in Prague university campus has killed atleast 10 and left dozens injured before being "eliminated". Czech police swiftly responded to the shooting at Prague's Jan Palach Square, announcing on social media, "The entire building is being evacuated, and there are several dead and tens of injured." An email to Charles University's Faculty of Arts staff urged lockdown measures, advising, "Don't go anywhere, lock offices, place furniture in front of the door, turn off the lights." Interior Minister Vit Rakusan stated, "According to preliminary information, the shooter himself should be dead, there are dead and wounded on site." Prime Minister Petr Fiala canceled a trip, en route to Prague, as the city grapples with this tragic incident.

A shooting in central Prague at a university building in Jan Palach Square has resulted in 10 people dead and nine seriously injured. Armed police responded to the incident, urging people to leave surrounding streets and stay indoors. An email to staff at Charles University's Faculty of Arts instructed them to "stay put" with locked doors and barricaded offices. Interior Minister Vit Rakusan confirmed the shooter's death, assuring no further immediate danger but urging cooperation with the police investigation. The square has been sealed off, and images on social media captured crowds fleeing the scene.

An unexpected strike by Eurotunnel staff has caused chaos for holiday travelers during the peak Christmas getaway period. Eurostar suspended all passenger train traffic through the Channel Tunnel, urging people to postpone journeys if possible. Getlink, operator of the tunnel, has yet to comment. The unscheduled industrial action has thrown hundreds of holiday plans into disarray. With no trains currently running between London and Paris/Brussels due to the tunnel crew strike, Eurostar told customers to push back travel until at least tomorrow. The work stoppage comes at the worst time during one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, right before Christmas.

In a UN Security Council briefing, the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, Roza Otunbayeva, highlighted the lack of progress in human rights issues as a key obstacle between Afghanistan and the global community. She emphasized that adherence to international norms is a "non-negotiable condition" for the country's UN seat. The Taliban's preference for bilateral approaches and internal matters like bans on girls' education poses challenges. India, expressing unwavering commitment, urged sustained international attention amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions exacerbated by natural disasters in Afghanistan.

Egypt is actively involved in brokering a new ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, with discussions ongoing in Cairo. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's visit to Egypt signals potential progress, but the demands from both sides remain significant hurdles. The U.S. acknowledges "very serious" negotiations, including the release of Israeli hostages, but Hamas insists on a complete end to Israel's offensive. The focus is on which hostages could be freed, with Hamas linking discussions to the cessation of Israeli aggression and increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians. The situation remains delicate, with no guarantees of a breakthrough.